Job Search Tips

1. Treat job hunting like a job. You really should regard your job search as a nine-to-five affair. Write down a schedule, plan a line of attack and set yourself targets. Don’t flounder about randomly typing ‘give me a job’ into a search engine.

2. Work out what sector you want to get into. It seems obvious doesn’t it? But a lot of people leave education and panic, applying to everything and anything going. Think about what your skills, interests and qualifications are, and narrow down your search. Saying “I want to get into the marketing side of publishing” is far more impressive than “I just want a job ok, any job, please!”

3. But don’t go too narrow. So you’ve found a perfect occupation that you’re desperate to pursue? Decide how much time you’re going to spend pursuing your first choice of job (say a month) then broaden your search to other jobs in your chosen area. Often you’ll need to gain relevant experience and develop specialist skills before you can apply to the job of your dreams.

4. Network your socks off. A heck of a lot of jobs aren’t advertised. So how do you get to hear about them? Networking. You need to let as many people know as possible that you are looking for a job. But before you hit the streets with a loudspeaker, remember you don’t want to appear desperate.

Email people you’ve met on internships or work experience, think of anyone you know in your chosen industry and let them know you are looking for a job. And for goodness’ sake, get a profile on LinkedIn and join the Twitterati.

5. Use job boards. You should particularly try targeting ones that specialise in your sector of choice.

6. Find recruitment agencies that specialise in your chosen sector. Make sure they deal with entry-level jobs. Send them your CV, give them a call and arrange a face-to-face meeting. Make sure you stay in contact.

7. Sign up for job listing emails. Find a few websites that post jobs in your sector and sign up to their job bulletins.

8. Make a list of all the companies you want to work for. On a regular basis, check the vacancies section on their websites. Some companies only advertise job vacancies on their own websites.